June 25th declared ‘Alamosa Day’ with re-enactment

ALAMOSA­– “Except for its magnificent setting, --- Alamosa, with its assortment of hand me down buildings and deeply rutted streets was no beauty spot.”

However, for San Luis Valley residents Alamosa was the place to go to the doctor, buy clothes, insurance, borrow money, get a haircut, get your picture taken, see a movie, buy furniture, get a watch fixed and purchase flowers for a funeral.  Big top circus tents would pitch up in the alkali fields south of town.

On June 25^th, 10:30-2:00 a re-enactment will occur with the moving of at least one building from Fort Garland to Alamosa.  The day will launch with breakfast in Fort Garland, then drive to Alamosa with a least one building represented.  Lunch and a ceremony will be held at the Colorado Welcome Center at the historic depot.

Historically, you could go to the Carnegie Library, Adams State Normal School, watch a ballgame, or learn to tap dance.  Alamosa was the place to ford the river, which was before modern time 400-500 feet wide, on a rope ferry, catch a stagecoach, then a train, highway, bus, airplane.  Also, “And God knows, you could come close to freezing to death.”

Of the many towns in the San Luis Valley how did Alamosa become the hub of activity?  It was the railroad.  Alexander Hunt, president of the Rio Grande Railroad Construction Co. in 1877 stated that it was the best locality between the Gulf of Mexico and the British possessions.  He filed the plat in May 1878, incorporated the town in July and in between the railroad arrived on June 22, 1878. 

At least three buildings were brought over on that first narrow gauge train, the Perry Hotel, the Broadwell House and the Occidental Hotel. Breakfast was served in Garland City at the Perry Hotel and the hotel reconstructed in time to serve dinner on the same day in Alamosa.  Prosperity closely followed the addition of tracks south to Santa Fe, west to Durango and north to Salida in the following years. 

There have been multiple efforts over the years to celebrate the founding of Alamosa.  One was called the Alarado Celebration in 1935 and another Golden Jubilee commemorating the 75^th anniversary in 1953. The Alamosa Uptown River Association tried another series in the 2000’s. This summer, Board members of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area, Alamosa Historic Preservation Commission and other inspired folks are bringing the celebration back to town!

To add fun, color and accuracy, event participants should come dressed in period clothing representing miners, ranch hands, homesteaders, Union soldiers and other characters.  The historic Engine 169 will be open for visitors from 12-3:00 and the SLV Museum encourages visitors to see the exhibit on the founding of Alamosa, with free admission.  A booth will be set up to collect stories, photos and memorabilia about the founding of Alamosa. We look forward to seeing everyone at the first of many Alamosa Day celebrations to be honored on or around June 25 in the future.